The John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum plans to implement archery hunting of the deer behind Philadelphia International Airport, writes Danya Henninger for Billy Penn.

The refuge is currently looking for public input on the issue that aims to curtail the overpopulation of white-tailed deer.

The refuge was established in 1972 on 1,200 acres of freshwater tidal marsh. The plan calls for around 170 acres to be opened to white-tailed deer hunting. A maximum of 12 archery hunters would be allowed on the grounds on any day selected through a lottery process. Preference would be given to young, first-time hunters and disabled persons.

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To ensure the safety of everybody, nature trails and access points on hunt days would be closed. There would also be established zones next to any residential areas. Canoe launches would be delayed, and hunters would be instructed not to release their arrows across waterways.

According to the proposal, hunting would be good for the refuge as deer have been eating much of the native plant life. The first public presentation of the plan will take place on April 30 at Ezekiel Baptist Church in Southwest Philly.

Read more about the refuge’s plans at Billy Penn by clicking here.

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